WELSH environment minister Carwyn Jones was urged yesterday to make a statement to AMs on the bird flu outbreak.

Glyn Davies, Tory AM for mid and west Wales tabled a question seeking details of the impact of the discovery of the H5N1 strain of the disease at a turkey farm in Suffolk.

Mr Davies said: “The outbreak is a great threat to the poultry industry throughout the UK.

“I want the minister responsible for agriculture to make an emergency statement to the National Assembly – it is not a matter for the Health Minister.

“We need to be satisfied that everything is being done to prevent the H5N1 virus spreading to Wales.

“The lack of understanding about the threat will almost certainly lead to less poultry and fewer eggs being eaten – which is not an entirely illogical response.

“The only immediate threat is to individuals who have close contact with infected birds and even then its spread from birds to humans is rare and unusual.”

Plaid’s shadow environment minister Elin Jones wanted to know what precautions would be taken if there was an outbreak of bird flu in Wales. The Ceredigion AM said: “This current outbreak will cause particular concern to poultry farmers in Wales.”

l If you find dead wild gulls, waders, ducks, geese or swans within a survey area or you are unsure whether you are in a surveillance area contact the helpline 08459 33 55 77 and choose the Avian Influenza option which will be open from 8:30am to 8pm.

It is not necessary to report any other single dead birds found.

If you find 10 or more dead birds of the same species or from different species in the same place you should contact the helpline.